The Best Summer Festivals Around the World
Festivals are a great way to meet new people, experience local culture, and simply have some fun! With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start planning which festivals you plan to attend and how you plan to get there. So we’ve put together some of the best festivals taking place around the world to keep on your radar this summer:
La Tomatina
Where: Bunol, Spain
When: the last Wednesday of August each year
What is it? The largest food fight in the world! Every year approximately 40,000 people throw tomatoes at each other for a solid hour starting at 11am. If you go, expect every piece of clothing own you to turn red! Please Note* Since the 2013 event, official ticketing was put into place limiting the number of participants to just 20,000 lucky people. If you are brave enough to attend, make sure to be well equipped with goggles to protect your eyes.
Edinburgh Festival
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
When: Aug 1-23, 2014
What is it? If you plan on travelling through the UK during August, don’t miss out on the chance to witness the pageantry and colour of the Edinburgh’s famous Military Tattoo. March to the beat as bands from around the globe vie for the coveted first place banner. This is one of Scotland’s proudest festivals! Widely hailed to be one of the most important celebrations of the arts in the world, the Edinburgh International Festival is now more than 50 years old. Sink your teeth into some Haggis, wash it down with some Scotch Whisky and you’ve got the all round Edinburgh experience.You can enjoy the best music, theatre, opera, dance and visual art from around the world. Check out the 3-day Edinburgh Festival Weekender trip.
Calgary Stampede
Where: Calgary, Canada
When: July 4-13th
What is it? Known as the greatest outdoor show on earth, this festival is all about western hospitality. It kicks off every day with a rodeo where top cowboys and cowgirls compete to be crowned winner. They have parades, an exhibition, and tons of markets. If you’re looking for a fun and unique western experience, this is definitely the festival for you. This will mark the 101st year of the Stampede and despite the recent floods, the show will go on.
Boryeong Mud Festival
Where: Boryeong, South Korea
When: July 19-28
What is it? Hosted at Daecheon beach (just outside of Seoul, South Korea) dump trucks full of mud from the local mud flats are delivered and free game for everyone to play in. There are many events such as mud wrestling, the mud king contest, mud fireworks fantasy and mud sliding. Check out deals to the Boryeong Mud Festival here.
World Body Painting Festival
Where: Pörtschach, Austria
When: June 29th- July 6th
What is it? One of the most colourful festivals in the world, the World Bodypainting Festival has wowed audiences since 1998. The festival takes place in the picturesque southern area of Austria where artists and models from over 40 different countries compete in the following categories: Brush/Sponge, Airbrush, Creative Make-up, Special-effects Make-up, Face Painting and the UV Award.
Galway Oyster Festival
Where: Galway, Ireland
When: September 25th-28th,
What is it? Each year Galway City comes alive with seafood & oysters as it celebrates the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival, the most internationally recognized Irish festival (after St Patrick’s Day) and the world’s longest running Oyster Festival.
Oktoberfest
Where: Munich, Germany
When: September 20th- October 5th,
What is it? The world’s largest festival with 6 million people attending every year. It all started in 1810 to celebrate a royal wedding, but the tradition of drinking continued on. If you plan on attending be sure to read our Beginners Guide to Oktoberfest.
Looking for more information on travelling to these festivals? Contact one of our Travel Experts who would be happy to provide you with more information by visiting your closest Flight Centre store or calling 1-877-967-5302.
About the Author
Emma Hackwood a freelance copywriter, amateur glider pilot and full-time adventure seeker, has travelled extensively in pursuit of her lifelong dream of simply seeing it all. Up to over 50 countries, she lists American Samoa and the seldom visited Marquesas Islands as her current favourite destinations, with a wandering eye on Guam and Tonga to complete her Pacific escapades.
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